Saturday, March 15, 2014

From Left: Becca Poirier, Abby Yohe, Katie Yohe Many Americans have cheered on the good ole USA this year for the Olympics in Sochi, Russia, but for Ruhl&Ruhl employees Katie Yohe and Becca Poirier, it hits home. Andy Yohe, Katie's husband and Becca's brother-in-law, is the captain of the 2014 United States Paralympic Sled Hockey Team and has been competing in Sochi the last couple weeks. "Sled Hockey is very underrated - it's fast-paced, exciting and hard not to become a "crazy fan" while watching it," said Katie, who is home with their 3 year old daughter, Abby, and 3 month old son, Levi. "Although it's very exciting, I also feel a little sad since this is the first games that I have missed." This is the third Paralympics that Andy has competed in - helping Team USA win a bronze medal at the 2006 Paralympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy and the gold medal at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada. After a 3 year hiatus, Andy returns as the oldest player on Team USA. Andy was always a hockey fan and played roller hockey for the Bettendorf Young Guns before losing both legs in an accident in 1994. In 2003, he got back into hockey when he joined the Rehabilitation Instituted of Chicago Blackhawks. "I always feel an onset of nerves right before the game starts," Katie said. "I am nervous that he is going to get hurt, I am nervous for the team as well, but it is also a rush because I am such a competitive person myself and I want them to win!" Team USA will compete tomorrow against Russia for the gold medal. Instead of being there this year, Katie will be in the Quad Cities surrounded by family and friends to watch. "Abby loves to watch [Andy's] games," said Katie. "She is his biggest cheerleader! She jumps around during the game, and sometimes gets a little angry through the TV screen offering her advice to him to help him improve." The game will be aired locally on NBC at 11 AM on Saturday, March 15 th. "Even though this is his 3rd games, it's just as exciting as the first time," said Katie. "We are very proud of him and excited for him to get home."

Friday, March 14, 2014

The Quad Cities Saint Patrick’s Day Grand Parade is special to many, and JJ Condon, Ruhl&Ruhl Realtor and Applestone Homes Owner, is one of them.
“I love the St. Patrick’s Day Grand Parade because it’s the unofficial start of spring in the Quad Cities,” said Condon. “Some years we get beautiful weather; other years it’s still a bit cold, but regardless, it’s the first day of the year we all come together after a long, cold winter to celebrate, be silly, and get outside.”
The Grand Parade is the only interstate parade in the nation and is viewed by tens of thousands of people along the route from Rock Island, Illinois, across the Mississippi River through Davenport, Iowa.
Condon is Irish and his birthday happens to be on March 18th – both reinforcing his enthusiasm for the parade. He marched in the parade as a child and for three years now, has been sporting green (or gold) and marching the streets on the bi-state route.
“I love marching in lots of parades in the Quad Cities, but the Grand Parade is unique,” said Condon. “It is a bead parade, with kids and adults alike hollering for necklaces. Coming across the Centennial Bridge always makes you feel a little pride for our community. There is so much excitement in the air – any energy you give to the crowd comes back to you times 10!”
Tomorrow will be the fourth year Applestone Homes and Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors have a float together. The first two years, the famous parade scene from Ferris Bueller’s Day off was recreated – resulting in the Best Commercial Entry and a Judge’s Trophy. Last year and this year will be the Irish Mother of the Year and the Golden Girls, which, as Condon describes, is “basically a few dudes dressed up as old ladies rocking out hard to an amazing sound system on Ruhl&Ruhl’s truck.”
“You’re always a little nervous before the start,” said Condon. “There’s the moment before you leave the house when you look in the mirror and ask yourself what you were thinking, but once the parade starts you remember that on this day nothing is over the top.”
So be on the lookout for Condon, Applestone Homes and Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors tomorrow as we cruise the streets of the Quad Cities and get you some of that GOLD!
“Let’s get weird, silly, and have a little fun on the one day of the year everyone is at least a little bit IRISH!”
Applestone Homes was founded by JJ Condon and Adam Hehlke to establish enjoyable builder/client relationships; resulting in a building process that is easy to understand, customer service of the highest quality, and charming quality-built homes that you help create. Find out more at http://www.ruhlhomes.com/builder/32/Applestone-Homes.

Thursday, March 06, 2014

Many homeowners tend to wait until the spring 'buying season' to list their homes for sale. We believe that is a huge mistake right now and came up with four great reasons to list your home:
1.) Demand Is High
Home buyers are on the move, literally. First-time buyers are ready to stop renting or living with family; and move-up buyers, those selling their home and moving into a larger home, are on the hunt for the perfect space. There are buyers out there right now and they are serious about purchasing.
2.) Supply Is Low
The market is being constrained by the lack of inventory. This number generally increases dramatically in the spring and summer when people choose to sell. By selling now when demand is high and supply is low you may get your best price.
3.) Prices Will Continue to Rise
Home prices are increasing in most of our markets. Sellers in markets with the lowest inventory can expect the greatest appreciation in 2014.
4.) Interest Rates Are Projected to Go Up Again
Most experts predict that interest rates will begin to rise this year. Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the National Association of Realtors are in unison projecting that rates will be up almost a full percentage point by this time next year. Selling now allows you to buy a new home at a better interest rate – reducing your monthly payment.
When you start the process, you should consider your timeline and goals. Why are you selling? What do you hope to gain? If you are feeling overwhelmed already, don’t be! Choose a Realtor to help you start the process. A Ruhl&Ruhl sales associate will sit down with you and your family to walk you through seller questions to help identify your goals.

Information deemed reliable, but not verified or guaranteed. Not responsible for
content found on external links. Users are responsible for checking the accuracy,
completeness, and status of all information.
Licensed in IA, IL and WI